US National News

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Optimal Blue today unveiled a series of new products and features, alongside its major Ask Obi AI assistant announcement, at its Summit user conference in San Diego. These innovation announcements underscore the company's commitment to delivering high-impact solutions, at no additional cost, that tackle real-world challenges and help lenders maximize profitability.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Optimal Blue today announced Ask Obi, an AI assistant designed to provide mortgage lending executives with instant, actionable insights from their Optimal Blue products and data. Unveiled during Optimal Blue's inaugural Summit user conference in San Diego, Ask Obi gives lenders the power to view their operations holistically with data aggregation across Optimal Blue's comprehensive capital markets platform.

DENVER, Colo. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- ACES Quality Management® (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the mortgage industry, has been selected for the 11th consecutive year by HousingWire magazine for its annual TECH100 honors list. The magazine chose ACES for the continual innovation of its flagship ACES Quality Management & Control® software.

HOUSTON, Texas /Massachusetts Newswire: -- NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization (RON) and identity verification/authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced its inclusion in the prestigious Tech100 awards program. Now in its 13th year, HousingWire Magazine's Tech100 program honors the most innovative and impactful organizations in the mortgage and real estate industries.

CLEVELAND, Ohio /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Top mortgage industry webcast The Big Picture, broadcast live every Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, this week features Joe Tyrrell, CEO of Optimal Blue, a leading provider of comprehensive capital markets solutions. With over 25 years of experience in mortgage, finance and technology, Tyrrell will share insights for lenders seeking to fine-tune profitability in secondary market transactions and enhance operational efficiency through technology.

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Informative Research, a leading technology platform that delivers data-driven solutions to the lending community, announced today the company has been named to the prestigious HousingWire Tech100 annual list. Informative Research's solutions have driven measurable impacts for lenders and consumers alike.

WASHINGTON D.C. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Teal, a sophisticated managed service provider supporting forward-thinking small and medium-sized businesses, is proud to announce that it has achieved ISO 27001 certification - a testament to its unwavering commitment to data security, privacy, and operational excellence.

BUFFALO, N.Y. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- LenderLogix, a leading provider of mortgage automation software and application programming interfaces (APIs), today announced it has been named to HousingWire magazine's annual mortgage Tech100 list. The Tech100 award aims to spotlight innovative technology companies across the housing sector. LenderLogix is recognized for its tightly integrated, white-labeled solutions built to empower lenders of all sizes to lend more efficiently while delivering outstanding borrower experiences.

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Argyle, a platform providing automated income and employment verifications for some of the largest lenders in the United States, today announced its second consecutive appearance in HousingWire's annual Tech100 Mortgage list, which recognizes the most innovative technology companies in housing finance. The recognition highlights Argyle's significant contributions to the mortgage industry through its delivery of real-time, cost-effective income and employment verification (VOIE) solutions that streamline loan processing, improve loan pull-through and reduce costs for lenders.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative new leader in mortgage technology, today announced it has been named to HousingWire's 2025 Tech100 Mortgage list of companies shaping the future of the housing finance sector. The recognition acknowledges ongoing investments Dark Matter has made to its Empower® loan origination system (LOS), the addition of the NOVA LOS to Dark Matter's product lineup, and advances in productivity and accuracy Dark Matter is making with the AIVA® suite of AI virtual assistants.

ATLANTA, Ga. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, today announced that its Founder and CEO Rob Chrane has been named a RISMedia 2025 Real Estate Newsmaker. RISMedia Newsmakers are individuals whose efforts are positively impacting the consumers and communities they serve. This is the second year in a row Chrane has been named to the Newsmakers list.

ATLANTA, Ga. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, has been named to HousingWire's 2025 Mortgage Tech100 list, which recognizes "the companies and solutions that are revolutionizing the mortgage process - from origination to closing, and servicing to secondary markets."

HEALDSBURG, Calif. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Merriam Vineyards, a pioneering force in Russian River Valley's diverse winegrowing landscape, announces the commencement of its 25th anniversary celebration. Founded in 2000 by Peter and Diana Merriam, the winery has evolved from its initial 12-acre purchase into a distinguished estate encompassing three distinct vineyard properties, each expressing the unique terroir of the Russian River Valley AVA.

NEW YORK, N.Y. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Pokémon GO has captured the hearts of millions, encouraging players to get outside, explore, and hunt for rare Pokémon. But not everyone has the time or means to travel far and wide to catch region-exclusive Pokémon or join special global events. That's where iToolab AnyGo steps in-a smart and simple solution for iOS users in 2025. With iToolab AnyGo, you can enjoy the thrill of exploring new locations without ever leaving your home.

NEW YORK, N.Y. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- In the world of Pokémon GO, players are always looking for ways to level up their gaming experience. One popular method is location spoofing, which lets players explore new regions without leaving their homes. For iPhone users, MocPOGO iOS spoofing app has become a top choice in 2025. Here's everything you need to know about this tool.

SARASOTA, Fla. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- MileageWise is the first company to announce offering lifetime plans for mileage tracking, catering to long-term users. By eliminating monthly or yearly fees, users can significantly reduce software costs over time. Mileage tracker apps have become indispensable for ensuring tax compliance, minimizing audit risks, and maximizing deductions.

SMITHFIELD, N.C. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Deacon Jones Automotive Group is proud to announce its expansion into South Hill, Virginia, with the acquisition of two new dealerships: Deacon Jones Honda of South Hill and Deacon Jones Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (CJDR) of South Hill. This strategic growth underscores Deacon Jones' commitment to providing exceptional automotive services and an expanded inventory.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Secured Signing, a global leader in Digital Signatures and Remote Online Notarization (RON) solutions, has announced the integration of Cisco Duo Single Sign-On, a cutting-edge enhancement designed to fortify user login security. This milestone innovation introduces built-in two-factor authentication (2FA) to the platform, setting a new standard in safeguarding digital transactions.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Neurotech Reports, the longest-serving publishing and market intelligence firm covering the neuromodulation industry, announced the launch of its first European management and investment conference. The two-day event, called Neurotech Leaders Forum at imec, will take place on June 3-4, 2025 on the campus of imec in Leuven, Belgium. Imec, a world-leading research and innovation center in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, is deeply committed to advancing health innovations through the power of semiconductor technologies, making it the ideal host for the conference.

DES MOINES, Iowa /Massachusetts Newswire: -- iEmergent, a forecasting and advisory services firm for the financial services, mortgage and real estate industries, today announced the release of four new market intelligence dashboards that make it easy for lenders to slice, visualize, export and share historical and forecasted loan production, real estate listing and demographic data.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- The Nemeroff Law Firm is pleased to announce it has secured a landmark legal decision in favor of employees who are left without compensation because their occupational diseases developed long after their hazardous workplace exposures ended. The Nemeroff Law Firm has made it the firm's mission to fight for justice, and advocate for the injured.

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and leadership expert Gary Cox has released his latest book, "Cultivating Champions of CI: A Leader's Toolbox for Creating a Continuous Improvement Culture" (ISBN: 978-1779622884), published by Tellwell Publishing in December 2024. This essential guide offers leaders a practical approach to building a culture of continuous improvement (CI) within their organizations.

VICTORIA, B.C. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- 2025 marks a major milestone for Tellwell Publishing: our 10-year anniversary! Over the past decade we've been on a mission to empower indie authors and redefine the self-publishing industry. This year we're doubling down as a trusted expert voice in self-publishing by launching three new platforms designed to educate and inspire authors. We're excited to introduce our podcast, "Demystifying Self-Publishing with Tellwell" - a new series of educational videos on YouTube; and a fresh TikTok channel!

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Global research and advisory firm, Info-Tech Research Group, has identified EnergyCAP as the #1 overall Champion in its 2025 Data Quadrant Report. The report findings are based on data from user reviews on the firm's SoftwareReviews platform, the leading source for insights on the software provider landscape. EnergyCAP is a leading provider of utility bill management and energy tracking software designed to help organizations reduce energy consumption and costs.

NEW YORK, N.Y. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- TravelInsurance.com, the leading platform for comparing and purchasing travel insurance from global providers, makes it easier for cruisers to compare plans and find the most personalized coverage at the best price during the 2025 Wave Season. According to Cruise MarketWatch, 15 new ships with a combined passenger capacity of 38,629 are set to enter the market and are projected to facilitate a total of 33.7 million passengers by the end of 2025, representing a 4.9% increase over 2024 and a 22.4% rise compared to 2019.

HOUSTON, Texas /Massachusetts Newswire: -- NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and leading remote online notarization (RON) provider for real estate and legal transactions, announced a milestone year in 2024, having completed more than 154,000 RON transactions. The company also experienced a 26% increase in loss mitigation-related RON transactions through its real estate vertical, reflecting its ability to address lenders' needs for efficient borrower support.

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Spodak Dental Group is proud to announce the implementation of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology to elevate the quality of care provided to patients. This innovative approach ensures greater precision in diagnosing and treating dental conditions while keeping patient well-being at the center of everything they do.

AGOURA HILLS, Calif. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Tavern 101 Grill & Tap House, a beloved staple in Agoura Hills, stepped up once again to support first responders by providing hot meals to over 1,500 firefighters, sheriffs, and National Guard members battling the devastating wildfires in Pacific Palisades. This act of generosity is nothing new for Gonzalez and his team.

TORONTO, Ontario /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Gerald Mackrell, a lifelong seeker of spiritual truth, invites readers on a deeply personal journey of faith, reflection, and exploration in his latest book, "Know, Trust, Abandon" (ISBN: 978-1779623188). Mackrell's thought-provoking work delves into humanity's perennial question: "Is there any meaning to life, or am I merely part of an elaborate accident that occurred millions of years ago?"

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Veteran entertainment industry publicist and wellness influencer, Makeda Smith is solidifying her commitment to 'senior soft life' living. The 64-year-old grandmother, who started pole dancing as a fitness hobby over 14 years ago, is expanding her pro-aging brands, the dance flow movement practice, Flying Over 50 (and online coaching portal, The Makeda Method. Makeda is launching a new book series on Amazon Live, with one of the platform's Top Five influencers, Cyrus Webb.

LONDON, England /Massachusetts Newswire: -- The Old Vine Registry, the world's first and most authoritative database of old vine vineyards marked the new year having accumulated more than 4,000 entries from 39 countries, making steady progress to a goal of registering 10,000 vineyards by 2027.

CLEVELAND, Ohio /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Top mortgage industry webcast The Big Picture, hosted by Rich Swerbinsky and Rob Chrisman and broadcast live every Thursday at 3 pm ET, this week features Mark A. Calabria, a senior advisor at nonpartisan public policy research organization the Cato Institute and former director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Drawing on his decades of experience shaping U.S. economic policy, Calabria will share insights into the federal policymaking process.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter®), an innovative leader in mortgage technology, today announced the agenda for its Horizon User Conference. Exclusive to Dark Matter clients and partners, the conference will take place at the Omni Amelia Island on April 22-24.

TAMPA, Fla. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Pure Polymer Solutions is setting a new standard for sustainability in water treatment with its revolutionary PUREMIX technology. Designed to reduce environmental impact while optimizing efficiency, PUREMIX empowers industries to embrace eco-friendly practices without sacrificing performance.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), the nation's leading network of independent mortgage lenders, banks, credit unions, and service providers, is proud to announce the appointment of Jodi Hall as its new Chief Executive Officer and President.

NEW YORK, N.Y. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Pokémon GO has always been about exploration and adventure, but for many players, real-world limitations make it hard to unlock the game's full potential. iToolab AnyGo iOS location changer makes location spoofing safe, simple, and accessible, letting players explore the world from home.

LA VERNE, Calif. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- In a remarkable display of compassion and community spirit, Hillcrest, an age-qualified community in La Verne is showing what it means to be a good neighbor by helping seniors displaced by the devastating Eaton Fire. Hillcrest offered seniors housing and a chance to rebuild their lives with a new home. The fire destroyed The Terraces at Park Marino in Pasadena, leaving many residents, including those with significant health needs, without a place to call home.

AUSTIN, Texas /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Concerned Shareholders of WOW today issued the following letter to the management of WOW. To the Management and Board of Directors of WideOpenWest, Inc. (WOW), We, as concerned stakeholders and shareholders are writing to formally request an update regarding the unsolicited non-binding preliminary proposal submitted on May 3, 2024

DALLAS, Texas /Massachusetts Newswire: -- DataBahn.ai ("DataBahn"), a trailblazer in Data Pipeline Management (DPM) and Data Fabric solutions, has unveiled Cruz, a cutting-edge AI agent tailored to revolutionize data engineering and operations. Purpose-built to address the complexities of modern data ecosystems, Cruz is designed to streamline processes, optimize workflows, and empower organizations to harness their data with unmatched efficiency.

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- HotDeals, a coupon website, is excited to announce the launch of its new feature page, "Most Common Coupon Phrases," designed to make it easier for consumers to understand and navigate common coupon-related terms while shopping. This new page will help shoppers quickly find the best deals by providing clear explanations and direct links to relevant offers, saving time and ensuring they never miss a discount.

NEW YORK, N.Y. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Pokémon GO has captivated players worldwide, encouraging exploration and adventure. However, many players turn to location spoofing on iPhone and Android devices to access rare Pokémon or participate in exclusive events far from home. While exciting, location spoofing risks account bans if done carelessly. With tools like MocPOGO iOS location changer, you can safely spoof and enjoy the game without worry.

DETROIT, Mich. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- When you hail from the Motor City with a grandmother who sang the blues, and a cousin who was one of the original Motown Temptations, music just kind of rests in your spirit and organically becomes who you are. Pianist, singer, songwriter and producer, Reggie Braxton has aptly honed such impactful melodious roots into his Brax-Tone Records debut release, "The Brax-Tone Experience," a luxurious jazz infused, heart caressing collection of original and timeless R&B singles.

WASHINGTON, D.C. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Teal, a sophisticated managed service provider serving forward-thinking small and medium-sized businesses, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with Blackpoint Cyber, a trailblazer in threat intelligence and advanced cybersecurity tools. This collaboration underscores Teal's commitment to safeguarding clients with cutting-edge solutions that stay ahead of cyber threats.

KOKOMO, Ind. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- CFD Companies, home to a fully independent Broker/Dealer and RIA, announced key community building initiatives for 2025. Though the firm has experienced significant growth, it remains committed to fostering a family-like community that is the foundation for delivering exceptional service.

BUFFALO, N.Y. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- LenderLogix, a leading provider of mortgage point-of-sale and automation software for banks, credit unions, independent mortgage banks, and brokers, today announced the release of the Homebuyer Intelligence Report, a quarterly summary of insights into borrower behavior during the home-buying process based on data collected by the LenderLogix suite of tools. The latest report covers data collected during the pre-approval and borrower application process in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024.

ATLANTA, Ga. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, today released its Q4 2024 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report. The report saw the number of homebuyer assistance programs increase by 172 and the number of entities offering them increase by 75 year-over-year (YoY), bringing the total number of available programs to 2,466.

VANCOUVER, B.C. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- On January 27, 2025, the world will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. On this historic day, author Richard K. Lowy launches "Kalman and Leopold - Surviving Mengele's Auschwitz" (ISBN: 978-1779410092), a powerful firsthand account of resilience and survival in the face of unimaginable evil, released by Tellwell Publishing.

AIKEN, S.C. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Tomberlin, the leading manufacturer of luxury electric street-legal LSVs (low-speed vehicles), golf cars and e-bikes, will display its latest personal transportation solutions at the 2025 PGA Show in Booth 2109. The world's longest-running and largest golf-business event, the show will be held Jan. 21 - 24 at the Orlando Convention Center in Florida. "Our 'Expect More' theme highlights recent advancements in personal transportation," says Scott Breckley, president of Columbia Vehicle Group.

CLEVELAND, Ohio /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Top mortgage industry webcast The Big Picture, broadcast live every Thursday at 3 p.m. ET, this week features Peter J. Benjamin, CMB, president of the American Credit Union Mortgage Association (ACUMA), an organization dedicated to advancing credit union mortgage lending.

OAKLAND PARK, Fla. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- The City of Oakland Park is excited to invite the community to its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Celebration on Saturday, January 18, 2025. The festivities will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. at Wimberly Field, located at 4000 NE 3rd Avenue.

HOUSTON, Texas /Massachusetts Newswire: -- As the nation honors the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and anticipates the transition to a new administration, the importance of amplifying the voices of those impacted by policies has never been greater. Nonprofit Story Bank is stepping forward to ensure these voices-the human stories behind the policies-are neither muffled or ignored.

PHOENIX, Ariz. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Twenty-two entrepreneurs graduated from the Impact AZ 2025 Supplier Diversity Accelerator on Tuesday, January 14, during a ceremony held at the Arizona Public Service (APS) Headquarters in Phoenix, the Black Chamber of Arizona announced today.

TULSA, Okla. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Oklahoma-based author Kimberly Hayden introduces young readers to the value of worship and gratitude in her new children's book "Libby Loves Church" (ISBN: 979-8330208562 [paperback]; Legacy Launch Pad Publishing).

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Chad Lawson Cooper, a renowned movie producer and national playwright based in New York City, has made an offer of $20 million to acquire The Paul Robeson Theatre. Founded in 1980 and named in honor of the esteemed African-American singer and actor Paul Robeson, the theater showcased poetry, plays, and various works by black artists for over 25 years.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Mortgage Capital Trading (MCT), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, today announced the release of MSRlive! 4.0, a groundbreaking enhancement to its mortgage servicing rights (MSR) valuation platform. The latest version offers mortgage servicers an unprecedented level of transparency and business intelligence, equipping portfolio managers with powerful new tools to assess and optimize their

NEW YORK, N.Y. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- HitPaw Edimakor, a cutting-edge AI-powered video editing software, has officially launched its latest version, V3.5.0, introducing an exciting array of creative and innovative tools. Among the standout features are the AI Voice Clone and Video Templates, designed to simplify and elevate the process of video creation, enabling users to achieve professional-quality results with greater ease and efficiency.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- ColoCrossing, a HostPapa Inc. company and global leader in enterprise-grade hosting solutions, proudly announces the grand opening of their new Los Angeles datacenter at 1200 W 7th St., Los Angeles, CA 90017. This expansion marks a significant milestone for ColoCrossing, reinforcing their position as a leader in colocation and dedicated server solutions in one of the nation's most vital technology hubs.

NEW YORK, N.Y. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- As the hunt for Shiny Pokémon becomes even more challenging in Pokémon GO, PoGoskill Android App V1.1.0 provides the perfect solution for safely spoofing your location without a computer. With the best Pokémon GO GPS joystick, you can easily explore the map, ensuring smooth gameplay without the risk of bans.

LONG ISLAND, N.Y. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Doherty Enterprises-owned Applebee's® Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants on Long Island announced today the official launch of their 9th annual Above and "BEE"yond Teacher Essay Contest. The annual essay contest celebrates outstanding teachers, nominated by their students, by awarding each a $500 sponsorship check and hosting a special end-of-year class party.

ALLENDALE, N.J. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Doherty Enterprises-owned Applebee's® Neighborhood Grill & Bar locations in New Jersey are excited to announce the start of their 9th annual "Above and 'BEE'yond Teacher Essay Contest." The essay contest is now open at participating Doherty Enterprises-owned Applebee's restaurants in New Jersey.

NEW YORK, N.Y. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- The J.R. O'Dwyer Company, Inc. has published its January 2025 Crisis Communications Magazine featuring content designed to assist corporations and organizations manage their reputation, prevent communications crises and communicate effectively with the public and stakeholders.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Lutheran Life Ministries ("Lutheran Life"), an Illinois-based senior living organization, has added two new members to its Board of Directors. The announcement was made by Michael Renetzky, Chair of the Board, and Sloan Bentley, President, and CEO of Lutheran Life.

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Doherty Enterprises-owned Applebee's® Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants in New York City and Westchester County today announced the official start of their 9th annual Above and "BEE"yond Teacher Essay Contest. The annual essay contest recognizes top teachers - as nominated by their classroom students - rewarding teachers with a $500 sponsorship check and spec

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, announced today a 16.7% decrease in mortgage lock volume compared to the previous month. Industry professionals and market enthusiasts are encouraged to download the complete report to gain comprehensive insights into the evolving market dynamics.

ALPINE, Utah /Massachusetts Newswire: -- Hopdox, the leading innovator in eRecording, is excited to announce that it has entered a joint eRecording services agreement with Harris Recording Solutions to integrate Hopdox's cutting-edge eRecording platform with Harris Recording Solutions' land record management systems. This collaboration marks a major milestone in delivering more efficient, modern recording capabilities to counties nationwide.